What is the difference between a WAF and a firewall?

What is the difference between a WAF and a firewall?

A WAF, or Web Application Firewall, specifically protects web applications by filtering and monitoring HTTP traffic. A traditional firewall, on the other hand, controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.

Can you give me examples of when to use a WAF?

Sure! Use a WAF when you want to protect web applications from attacks like SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and other vulnerabilities that target web traffic.

Are there any scenarios where a firewall is more effective than a WAF?

Yes, traditional firewalls are more effective for network-level security, such as protecting entire networks from unauthorized access and controlling traffic between different network segments.

Do I need both a WAF and a firewall?

It's often recommended to use both. A firewall provides a strong perimeter defense, while a WAF offers specialized protection for web applications.